Unfortunately there's a bit of pressure to osbficate the core idea of a publication in academia. While the ideal academics try to hold themselves to is to freely exchange information, for researchers who are paid to study very neiche topics there's an insensitive to put some resistance into others entering their field. There is only so much funding and one more team means more competition. So some researchers who find themselves in that position will intentionally complicate their published work as a way to create a disincentive to others from crowding their field. It sucks but the reality is that funding and money come before the faithful pursuit of knowledge.

Also, some people just suck at writing.

Cell signalling pathways was the worst part of microbial genetics for me. Luckily I don't have to deal with that anymore as my day to day is digital PCR and NGS.

Ah, yes. Of course. I understand your frustration entirely because of my deep understanding of the specific situation.

Would a list of tools and search engines be helpful?